11 Essential Fishing Tools & Accessories

Rapala Fishing Tools & Accessories

Rapala

In fishing, as with many aspects of life, tasks are safer and easier when you have the right tools for the job. Take removing a deeply hooked lure from a northern pike, for instance. With a pair of long reach pliers it’s fairly straightforward, but try the same maneuver by hand, and angler and fish are both at risk of injury. While dozens of fishing tools and accessories are available, these 11 are some of the more popular and useful ones an angler can own.

1. Pliers

A true multi-tasking tool, pliers help tune crankbaits, pinch-down a hook’s barb, rig baits, tie knots, and safely remove hooks from fish, to name just a few examples. For added functionality, fishing pliers may include a split ring tool, split shot crimper, side cutter, or other features.

In addition to the popular fisherman’s style pliers, other jaw styles are available for specific tasks. For instance, curved pliers are handy for removing hard to reach hooks.

Pro Tip: Mini needle nose pliers or forceps are the best tools for the job of removing hooks from small-mouthed fish, like panfish and trout.

Fans of superline owe it to themselves to own serrated braid scissors. These tools feature specialty blades to quickly slice superline and leave a clean cut - a much better result than an uneven, frayed end common when using generic scissors.

This compact cutter is popular with wading, bank, paddling and others who prefer to travel light. The lever-style clipper easily cuts monofilament and fluorocarbon line. A tuning tool, line pick and cutting knife are other common clipper features.

These compact devices are an alternative to using a net or a cradle for landing fish. One-handed operation makes it easy to open and close the gripper’s jaws on a fish’s mouth for a secure hold. Some grippers include a scale and the good ones float!

Pro Tip: When practicing catch and release using a gripper, leave the fish in the water or support the fish under the belly using your other hand and have a friend remove the hooks from the fish.

Quickly and accurately weighing a fish is important for tournament competitors or recreational anglers on a mission to beat their personal best catch. From an affordable entry-level manual model to a higher prices feature-loaded, digital scale, there’s ample choice to find the perfect scale to meet your needs.

Pro Tip: Carry a spare set of scale batteries in a waterproof container.

This is a must-have item when practicing selective harvest within fishing zones containing a slot limit. A ruler with a vertical flange makes it easy to properly position the fish for a fast, accurate measurement.

Pro Tip: Look for folding or retractible rulers for easy storage and transportation.

Installing a tool holder in the boat is a great way to organize pliers, scissors and other accessories. Mount the holder at the console or install it to the base of a boat’s accessory track system for the ultimate in flexibility. A pedestal tool holder is another option for keeping pliers and scissors within easy reach.

While fish finder/GPS units have revolutionized angling, a marker buoy remains an essential item. Whether jigging, casting or trolling, a buoy provides a visual reference and is an easy way to mark a weed edge, a rocky reef, a ledge or another hotspot.

Affordable and oh-so handy, lure wraps make life easier when transporting rigged rod combos. Wrapping a lure covers hooks so they won’t snag marine carpet, stick an angler or cause trouble countless other ways. Plus, the wrap prevents the lure from banging and potentially damaging the rod blank when on the move.

From fishing in extreme conditions to preparing fresh fillets for the table, wearing proper gloves is an easy way to keep one’s paws protected.

Insulated and waterproof (or water-resistant) gloves are essential in cold, wet conditions. They keep hands warm and comfortable, while helping maintain good dexterity - and that means better fishing presentations and hook-sets than when fishing with frigid fingers.

A fillet glove is another worthy investment. Made with a speciality yarn, the glove improves grip on slippery fish while protecting hands from cuts.

From small tasks, like removing a hook or measuring a fish, to larger duties, such as cleaning fish, everything is easier with the right tools for the job. Own these 11 popular angling accessories, and you’ll spend more time catching fish and less time fussing to complete angling tasks.